Citizenship Day teaches members politics and debate

​Combine parliamentary procedure with fun activities and you have an exciting day for 4-H members.
 
4-H Citizenship Day was held on April 18 in Regina at the Lakeview United Church and Saskatchewan Legislative Building. Close to 20 members and leaders gathered together to learn about parliamentary procedure and the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
 
The day started with a presentation about how Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) make decisions and a little bit about what happens in the Legislature. The attendees then hopped onto a bus to head to the Legislative Building to attend Question Period.
 
During Question Period, the members were able to see the MLAs in action, and witnessed how they discuss topics. They also had a fun quiz to help them learn about the MLAs and the building. After watching the politicians, the members were joined by MLA Mr. Warren Steinley. He explained he was a 4-H member in his youth and credited the organization with teaching him valuable skills he now uses as a MLA. The members asked him many questions about his career and experience in 4-H.
 
After heading back to the church, the members participated in a Parliamentary Procedure workshop with Melodi Hawkesford-Lee, complete with some fun games.
 
There was a short break for lunch before the members learned about what a debate is and how to debate. Then MLA Mr. Yens Pederson joined the 4-H’ers, discussing with them his 4-H experience and some tips for debating. The members were then broken into small groups to prepare their debate topics, around social media and cell phone use. Some of the members had to take on the role of their parents and teachers, while the others debated on behalf of youth. Both sides made excellent points defending their arguments.
 
It was a fun event and 4-H Saskatchewan hopes to continue to host every year, rotating between Regina and Saskatoon. While in Saskatoon, 4-H hopes to discuss municipal politics with the members. Thank-you to volunteers, Warren Steinley, Yens Pederson and the staff at both the Legislative Building and Lakeview United Church for all their help in making the day a success!

Thank you to our Title Sponsor: Mosaic
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